Steve Ballmer: Microsoft is Centrist, Apple is Edgy

Steve Ballmer started out warm and engaging in the
interview. But when questioned about Windows security,
he grew dark and left the room, Smart Moneyreported
on Monday.

When asked how he felt about Steve Jobs stealing
the CES thunder with the Apple iPhone, and if he wished
Microsoft had one, Mr. Baller replied, "No. Apple has put its brand into a new category. That doesn't mean it's a good product. I wouldn't be surprised if one of our partners came out with a device that looks exactly the same at a lower price in six or seven months [near the time when iPhones will ship]. There's a notion that there's magic with Apple. IPod is a hot brand — not Apple."

Mr. Ballmer also had some choice words about Apple's position in
various markets, especially entertainment and said, "it's a romantic notion that Apple has the lead. People who build overpriced, underpowered equipment and then market it in an edgy way do not have a formula for broad success. In the home there are PCs; Apple has no presence. There are videogame machines; Apple has no presence. TVs: Apple has no presence; Microsoft has some presence. Music: Apple has a very large presence [via the iPod]..."

Smart Money senior writer Dyan Machan had some additional questions for the Microsoft CEO (since 2000), but the opening
salvo on Apple gave keen insight into how Mr. Ballmer views his company's competitive position when he said that Microsoft is all about, "Leadership, responsibility and innovation."